Chapter 179: Letter from the Hidden Cloud Village

The day after returning from Mount Myoboku, Kirito rejoined the tactical drills with Kakashi and the others, designed to prepare for a confrontation with Nagato. Over the course of the week, the squad made remarkable progress, refining their strategies and cooperation to a level that even Kirito found impressive.

But the week of quiet and training was interrupted when Konoha received an urgent letter from the Hidden Cloud Village.

In the Hokage's office, Tsunade summoned Kirito, Kakashi, and Shikaku to discuss the letter. The atmosphere was tense, with everyone expecting the matter to involve the Akatsuki organization.

Tsunade, seated at her desk, began with a grave expression. "Today, we received an official letter from the Hidden Cloud Village. Their Eight-Tails Jinchuriki has been captured by the Akatsuki organization."

Kakashi frowned. "Akatsuki? Was it Nagato?"

Kirito interjected, "Could it have been Sasuke?"

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Kirito. His suggestion startled everyone.

Kirito shifted uncomfortably under their gazes. "I was only speculating... worst-case scenario."

Kakashi sighed, rubbing his temples. "That's a pretty grim conclusion, Kirito."

Tsunade broke the tension. "No, it wasn't Sasuke. According to the Cloud's report, the attackers were Deidara and Nagato—more specifically, three of Nagato's paths of Pain."

Kirito's brow furrowed. Deidara and Nagato? In the original timeline, Sasuke was supposed to lead his team to capture Killer B. How had the situation deviated so drastically?

Tsunade continued, "Based on Cloud's account, Deidara attacked the village to distract them while the Pains infiltrated their sacred 'Valley of Clouds and Lightning' to capture Killer B."

"Three Pains..." Kakashi noted. "Nagato must not have fully recovered his forces."

Tsunade nodded. "That's right. Cloud Village managed to subdue Deidara, and Raikage himself captured him. But Deidara... self-destructed, leaving a massive explosion that devastated nearly a third of the village."

Shikaku crossed his arms thoughtfully. "Deidara... a former Iwagakure ninja. This will undoubtedly worsen relations between Cloud and Stone."

"Exactly," Tsunade replied. "The Raikage has already blamed the Tsuchikage, Onoki, for harboring rogue ninjas like Deidara. But the primary focus of Cloud's letter is to propose a Five Kage Summit. They want all five villages to discuss how to deal with the Akatsuki organization."

Shikaku adjusted his stance. "It's likely the Raikage wants to recover their Jinchuriki as quickly as possible. But lacking intelligence on Akatsuki's location, they're trying to gather allies to act together."

Tsunade sighed. "Their reasoning is solid. We've already warned the other villages about Akatsuki's goal of gathering all the tailed beasts. With the Eight-Tails captured, the Nine-Tails in Naruto is the only one left. If Konoha doesn't participate, the other villages will focus their attention on Naruto regardless."

Kakashi offered a suggestion. "For Naruto's safety, it would be best to leave him at Mount Myoboku for the time being. It's a location Akatsuki can't easily reach."

Tsunade turned to Kirito. "How is Naruto progressing in his training?"

Kirito thought for a moment. "When I last saw him, I estimated it would take another week for him to reach Sage Mode."

"One week isn't enough," Tsunade muttered. "The summit itself, including travel time, will take far longer."

After a brief pause, she decided, "I'll speak with Jiraiya tonight. He'll have to stay at Mount Myoboku to keep an eye on Naruto until we return."

With Naruto's situation resolved, Tsunade moved on to the summit arrangements.

"The meeting will be held in the neutral Land of Iron. Each Kage is allowed two guards. For this summit, I'll take Kakashi and Kirito with me."

Shikaku nodded approvingly. "Solid choices. With Kirito's strength and Kakashi's leadership skills, it ensures your safety and strengthens Konoha's voice at the table."

Neither Kirito nor Kakashi objected. Kakashi, understanding the significance of the summit, saw this as an opportunity to prepare for his potential future as Hokage. Meanwhile, Kirito was eager to observe the dynamics between the Five Kage and the looming threat of Akatsuki.

Kirito also recalled the original timeline where Obito interrupted the summit to declare war. If that happened again, Kirito intended to strike first and capture him—or Sasuke—if they appeared.

Shikaku then raised a critical point. "With Konoha's leadership leaving for the summit, what precautions should we take to defend the village if Akatsuki attacks in your absence?"

Tsunade replied, "Jiraiya will leave a means of rapid communication. If the village is attacked, he'll return immediately to support.

"Shizune will handle day-to-day affairs, and in emergencies, Shikaku will assist her in coordinating the village's defenses. I'll prepare a detailed contingency plan for you both."

"Understood," Shikaku replied, his confidence evident.

With the arrangements finalized, the meeting concluded.

In the following days, Konoha prepared for the Five Kage Summit. Tsunade coordinated with Jiraiya and Shizune while Kakashi and Kirito trained to sharpen their skills. Everyone knew the summit was a critical opportunity—not just for collaboration, but for Konoha to assert its leadership against the growing threat of Akatsuki.

(End of this chapter)

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